Into the Blind is based on Navit, an open source navigation software, which can be installed on many proprietary navigation platforms parallel to the default software used. Also, Navit uses OpenStreetmaps, an entirely free collaboratively developed mapset, bypassing TomTom's imperative of unique serial number device identification.

For the purpose of the project, Navit was installed on a TomTom950, and then stripped apart in order to try and understand the multitude of elements playing a part in how its basic algorithm finds its shortest route.



















During the process of altering the source code, the idea of the "shortest route" as in "the quickest way to solving a problem" became evident as a certain foundation of programming. This idea even seems to be far more embedded in code itself than the perception of people (as in the example of the conversation from the video on the right), while nevertheless the behavior of a gps black box remains prone to suggestive interpretation.
The idea of conducting this experiment was to stretch the implications of code interference in the dynamics of contemporary technological practices.















Marktplaats, a Dutch website where the TomTom Go 950 was purchased

Navit on TomTom wiki

The modified navigation devices return to the place of purchase and are offered for further distribution